KINGSTON – In order to protect the patients of Benedictine, Kingston and Margaretville hospitals from exposure to the seasonal and H1N1 viruses, new visitor restrictions have been created.

The new policy is to help reduce the spread of influenza within the healthcare facilities as a preventative measure.        

No more than two people will be allowed to visit a patient; visitors under 12 will not be permitted; and visitors who are ill with influenza like symptoms are not allowed to visit patients.

Proper hand washing is encouraged by visitors and they should wash their hands or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer when entering and leaving a patient’s room.